National Critics Institute Now Accepting Applications for Fellows Program Through 5/16

The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center announced today applications are now being accepted for the National Critics Institute's Fellows Program through Friday, May 16, 2014. The conference begins on the evening of Saturday June 28th and runs through the morning of Saturday July 12th.

One of the O'Neill's oldest programs, the National Critics Institute is a two-week workshop, designed for arts writers and critics looking to strengthen their skills in an increasingly competitive and fast-paced industry. The Institute convenes annually at the O'Neill's Waterford campus, concurrently with the National Playwrights Conference and the National Music Theater Conference.

Incoming director Chris Jones leads the "boot camp for arts writers" which offers fellows an intensive course of study for writers of all experience levels, especially for those in mid-career.

Programming includes writing workshops in the crafts of reviewing theater, film, performance and food; workshops in storytelling and analysis; workshops in writing more exciting profiles in the field of arts and entertainment; insights into the critical process with a faculty composed of America's leading arts critics; explorations of the relationship of critics with social media; study of best practices when it comes blogging and other online sites; reviewing visits to other Connecticut theaters, and many opportunities to network with other critics and other creative professionals.

The workshop makes unique use of the creative professionals working in and around the O'Neill Center to help writers gain insights into the specialist areas of the arts, and to understand arts journalism from all sides.

Chris Jones , incoming Director of the National Critics Institute, notes, "We have expanded the range of this historic and prestigeous program this year to better reflect the needs of the changed profession. Although still centered on the art of reviewing the performing arts, fellows will now gain experience and insight in such areas as film and restaurant reviewing, along with help in such areas as smarter storytelling and the financial analysis of arts institutions. This is now the only such major program in America that focuses on arts criticism and reporting, and the faculty that teach here each year are a formidable group."

Jones also said that there will be increased number of scholarships available this year to greatly assist qualified fellows with the cost of tuition, room and board. More details will be provided to applicants.

Those interested in the Fellows Program can get more information and apply online by visiting http://theoneill.org/professional-development-and-education/nci/. Please direct any questions about the Institute to Anne G. Morgan, Literary Manager, at (860) 443-5378 ext. 227 or email litoffice@theoneill.org.